10 Unique New Year’s 2017 Events In New Jersey

“May the New Year bring you courage to break your resolutions early,” the notorious occultist Aleister Crowley once wrote. “My own plan is to swear off every kind of virtue, so that I triumph even when I fall.”

Sometimes it pays off to try something unusual. Here are 10 unique New Year’s Eve events in New Jersey for Saturday, Dec. 31, 2017. Editor's Note: Remember to be responsible and use public transportation and/or a designated driver if you choose to drink!

FOR THE EARLYBIRDS AND FISH FANS

Anyone looking to ring in the new year early and be back home in bed by midnight can spend the day hanging out with sharks, penguins and fish of all sizes at the Adventure Aquarium in Camden.

The special extended hours event, held through 6 p.m., includes visits with aquarium animals during twilight hours, a free giveaway (while supplies last), a DJ dance party with aquarium mascot “Gill” and a fireworks display over the Delaware River.

Learn more about the event here.

GANGSTERS AND DOLLS

Roxy and Dukes Roadhouse in Dunellen will hold a “Gangsters, Gun Molls and Gin” party featuring “gorgeous showgirls, dangerous gangsters and talented musicians.”

Other attractions include a dinner buffet, an open bar from 8 to 10:30 p.m., a midnight champagne toast and a 3 a.m. closing time.

Learn more about the event here.

ROARING TWENTIES AND THE GREAT GATSBY

Looking for that green light at the end of the dock? Kay and Elle Productions will host a New Year’s Masquerade called “The Great Gatsby Ball” starting at 9 p.m. at Pines Manor in Edison.

The “traditional masquerade ball with a modern New Year's twist” requires formal cocktail attire” and includes a five-hour open bar, a live DJ, a full buffet dinner and a champagne toast.

Learn more about the event here.

BOLLYWOOD BALL

For those craving a dose of Bollywood, Dorrian's Red Hand in Jersey City will host a “Bollywood Bhangra” New Year’s 2017 party beginning at 9 p.m.

The all-night dance party includes a variety of world music, DJs, a belly dancer and dhol performance, an open bar from 9 p.m. to midnight, free appetizers (vegetarian options) and a midnight champagne toast.

Learn more about the event here.

FIREWORKS AND A CRUISE

Those who love the idea of celebrating on the water can ring in the new year by watching fireworks aboard a Spirit Cruise ship from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The cruise departs from Lincoln Harbor and includes a fireworks show, a dinner buffet, a DJ and an open bar.

Learn more about the event here.

RIDE A BULL AND LINE DANCE

The country-western-themed Colorado Café in Watchung will hold a 2017 New Year party that includes county couples and line dancing.

The bar – which is known for its mechanical bull “Buck Off” – will offer a cheap cover charge ($10) as well as karaoke.

Learn more about the event here.

REMEMBER THE 1990s

The iconic Stone Pony club in Asbury Park will be home to “Another 90s New Year’s Eve,” an event featuring several cover bands and performers doing their best renditions of classic 1990s music favorites.

Performers include: Ayguy/Straightguy as Weezer, Lost in Society as Bush, Dentist as The Cranberries, Wicked Hollow as Pearl Jam, Wyland as Oasis and The Black Clouds as Nirvana.

Learn more about the event here.

WINTER WATER SLIDES

Countdown to 2017 at West Berlin’s indoor water park, Sahara Sam’s Oasis.

The family-friendly NYE Midnight At The Oasis includes admission to the park’s indoor water attractions, a DJ, games and giveaways, food and a champagne toast for adults.

Worried about freezing? According to the company, the water is always kept at 84 degrees.

Learn more about the event here.

BUMPER CARS AND GO-KARTS

iPlayAmerica in Freehold will hold a New Year’s Eve party beginning at 7:30 p.m. that includes food options and a bevy of adult and child-friendly games.

The “family event” features unlimited rides on the center’s bumper cars, happy swing, dizzy dragons, carousel, IPA Speedway go-karts and Freedom Rider spinning coaster. It also includes a DJ light show, confetti cannons, giveaways and an adult cocktail area. Toddlers ages two and under are free.

Learn more about the event here.

EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK

For those who can’t decide on a New Year’s Eve destination, try the First Night celebration in Morristown.

The massive downtown event starts at 4:45 p.m. with fireworks at 9:15 p.m. and midnight. Attractions include more than 80 performances, 24 venues and free shuttle bus services.

The diverse lineup of performers includes rock, bluegrass and jazz bands, a lineup of “Broadway stars” singing showtune hits, the Philadelphia Jug Band, the Gefyra Participatory Drum Circle, the NJ Festival Orchestra, world music troupes from China, Japan and Mexico, multiple comedians, a flea circus, a knife thrower and bullwhip expert, tap and flamenco dancers and more than 300 art displays.

Learn more about the event here.

Reporting by Eric Kiefer

Know about an interesting NYE 2017 event in New Jersey that we didn’t include? Let us know about it in the comments section below.

Photo: Flickr Commons